Comprehensive 4-Week China Exploration Itinerary: From Beijing to Shanghai

Day 1: Beijing Arrival and City Introduction

Beijing, China on May 24, 2025

10:30am

Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City

Start your China tour by exploring Tiananmen Square and the adjacent Forbidden City, the massive imperial palace showcasing Ming and Qing dynasty architecture and history. Both open from 8:30am to 5:00pm, allowing ample time to explore.

CNY60, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Da Dong Roast Duck Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Beijing Peking Duck at Da Dong, one of the top restaurants in the city, known for its crispy skin and tender meat, open daily from 11:30am to 10:30pm.

CNY150, 1h0m

3:00pm

Temple of Heaven Park

Visit the Temple of Heaven, an imperial complex and UNESCO World Heritage site where emperors prayed for good harvests. Open from 6:00am to 10:00pm, best seen in the late afternoon when fewer crowds gather.

CNY35, 1h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at Wangfujing Snack Street

Sample a variety of traditional Beijing street foods including dumplings, skewers, and exotic snacks at Wangfujing Snack Street operating until 10:00pm, perfect for adventurous eaters.

CNY50, 1h0m

View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Great Wall Full Day

Beijing, China on May 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start early with a hearty breakfast at the hotel to fuel a day exploring the Great Wall.

Included, 0h30m

8:00am

Mutianyu Great Wall Tour

Visit the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, less crowded and surrounded by beautiful forests. The site opens at 7:30am and closes at 6:00pm, allowing a full day hike with cable car options.

CNY120, 6h0m

3:30pm

Return to Beijing and Rest

Travel back to Beijing and rest at your accommodation after a long day of hiking.

Included, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Siji Minfu Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Beijing dishes in a comfortable setting at Siji Minfu, famous for its authentic flavours and excellent service, open till 10:00pm.

CNY100, 1h30m

View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Beijing to Xi'an

Beijing to Xi'an, China on May 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a quick breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the train station for your high-speed train journey.

Included, 0h30m

9:00am

High-Speed Train to Xi'an

Take the high-speed train from Beijing West to Xi'an which takes approximately 5h30m for efficient and comfortable travel.

CNY553, 5h30m

2:30pm

Check-in and Rest

Arrive at Xi'an, check into your hotel and relax after your journey.

Included, 1h0m

4:00pm

Xi'an City Wall

Cycle or walk the ancient Xi'an City Wall, one of the best-preserved city walls in China, offering panoramic views and a glimpse into the city’s past. Open 8:00am - 10:00pm.

CNY54, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at De Fa Chang Dumpling Restaurant

Dine on traditional dumplings in numerous flavours and shapes in this famous Xi'an eatery, open until 9:00pm.

CNY60, 1h0m

View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Terracotta Army Adventure

Xi'an, China on May 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with breakfast before the day trip.

Included, 0h30m

9:00am

Explore Terracotta Warriors Museum

Visit the world-famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, showcasing thousands of life-sized figures designed to protect Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife. Opens at 8:30am and closes at 6:00pm.

CNY150, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch near Museum

Enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant specialising in Shaanxi cuisine to taste local flavours.

CNY80, 1h0m

2:00pm

Huaqing Hot Springs

Visit the historic Huaqing Hot Springs with beautiful gardens and historical significance as a royal retreat. Opens 8:00am - 6:00pm.

CNY70, 2h0m

5:00pm

Return to Xi'an & Rest

Return to the city centre to relax at the hotel.

Included, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Lao Sun Jia Restaurant

Experience authentic Xi'an noodles and other local dishes in a casual setting. Open until 9:30pm.

CNY70, 1h0m

View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Flight to Chengdu, Panda Encounter

Xi'an to Chengdu, China on May 28, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have an early breakfast to prepare for your flight to Chengdu.

Included, 0h30m

9:00am

Flight from Xi'an to Chengdu

Fly approximately 1h30m to Chengdu, the gateway to the Sichuan province and famous for giant pandas.

CNY400, 1h30m

11:00am

Check-in and Rest

Arrive in Chengdu and check into your hotel to refresh.

Included, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Chen Mapo Tofu Restaurant

Enjoy classic Sichuan cuisine, especially spicy Mapo tofu, at this famed local restaurant, open till 9:00pm.

CNY80, 1h0m

2:00pm

Panda Breeding Research Base

Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to see pandas of all ages in a naturalistic habitat. Open daily 7:30am-6:00pm.

CNY58, 3h0m

5:30pm

Explore Jinli Ancient Street

Wander Jinli Ancient Street, renowned for traditional crafts, snacks, and souvenirs. Best visited in the evening with vibrant lights. Open typically till 10:00pm.

Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Shu Jiu Xiang Hotpot

Experience authentic Sichuan hotpot, a spicy and social dining style, in Chengdu's popular restaurant open until late.

CNY100, 1h30m

View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Chengdu Cultural Highlights

Chengdu, China on May 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start the day with a solid breakfast to energise your explorations.

Included, 0h30m

9:00am

Wuhou Shrine and Jinsha Site Museum

Visit Wuhou Shrine, dedicated to Zhuge Liang of the Three Kingdoms era, then proceed to Jinsha Site Museum showcasing archaeological finds from Shu civilisation. Both open 8:00am-6:00pm.

CNY60, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Huangcheng Laoma Restaurant

Sample more Sichuanese flavours with a variety of dishes including mouth-numbing spicy hotpots, open until 9:00pm.

CNY90, 1h0m

2:00pm

People's Park and Tea Houses

Relax in People's Park and observe locals' daily life, including tea appreciation in traditional teahouses. Open all day.

Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax at hotel

Rest and prepare for the upcoming journey westwards to Tibet.

Included, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Yu's Family Kitchen

Enjoy fine Sichuan cuisine with a fusion of contemporary flavours at this top-ranked restaurant, open till 10:00pm.

CNY150, 1h30m

View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Flight to Lhasa, Tibetan Culture

Chengdu to Lhasa, China on May 30, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare for early morning flight with breakfast at your accommodation.

Included, 0h30m

9:00am

Flight to Lhasa

Fly officially known as Chengdu to Lhasa Gonggar Airport, approximately 2h, offering spectacular views of the Tibetan Plateau.

CNY600, 2h0m

11:00am

Check-in & acclimatise

Arrival in Lhasa; check into hotel and allow time to acclimatise to the high altitude.

Included, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Tibetan Family Kitchen

Experience authentic Tibetan flavours in a welcoming family-run restaurant. Open daily 11:00am-9:00pm.

CNY80, 1h0m

2:30pm

Potala Palace Visit

Tour the iconic Potala Palace, former residence of the Dalai Lama and a symbol of Tibetan Buddhism, open 9:00am-4:30pm with advance tickets required.

CNY200, 2h0m

5:00pm

Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street

Visit Jokhang Temple, the spiritual heart of Tibet, then enjoy wandering Barkhor Street’s shops and pilgrims. Open until 6:00pm.

CNY85, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Lhasa Dadong Restaurant

Enjoy Tibetan and Chinese fusion dishes at this popular local eatery open until 9:00pm.

CNY100, 1h0m

View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Lhasa Spiritual Sites

Lhasa, China on May 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel.

Included, 0h30m

9:00am

Sera Monastery

Visit Sera Monastery, famous for its lively monk debates held in the afternoons; open 9:00am-5:00pm. Best to see the debates around 3pm.

CNY100, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at local Tibetan eatery

Enjoy traditional barley bread, yak butter tea, and momos in a local Tibetan restaurant, open till 3:00pm.

CNY50, 1h0m

1:30pm

Drepung Monastery

Explore Drepung Monastery, once the largest monastery in the world, rich with Tibetan history and architecture, open 9:00am-5:00pm.

CNY50, 2h0m

4:00pm

Walk around Norbulingka Palatial Gardens

Relax in the peaceful Norbulingka Park, the summer palace for Dalai Lamas with beautiful gardens and lakes. Open 9:00am-6:00pm.

CNY45, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Snowland Restaurant

Savour Tibetan delicacies made from fresh local ingredients in this well-reviewed local restaurant, open till 9:00pm.

CNY90, 1h0m

View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Lhasa to Guilin

Lhasa to Guilin, China on June 1, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast and Airport Transfer

Have an early breakfast and transfer to Lhasa airport for the flight to Guilin with a connecting flight likely in Chengdu or Guangzhou.

Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Flight Lhasa to Guilin

Flight time approximately 5-6 hours including stopover, scenic aerial views en route.

CNY900, 6h0m

2:00pm

Check-in and Rest at Guilin

Arrive at Guilin, check into hotel and relax after your flight.

Included, 1h0m

3:30pm

Elephant Trunk Hill

Visit Elephant Trunk Hill Park, the symbol of Guilin, known for its unique rock formation resembling an elephant drinking water. Open 7:30am to 6:00pm.

CNY75, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at McFound Restaurant

Taste local Guangxi cuisine with river fish and spicy vegetables at this vibrant restaurant, open until 9:30pm.

CNY70, 1h0m

View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Li River Cruise to Yangshuo

Guilin to Yangshuo, China on June 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast before the day’s cruise on the scenic Li River.

Included, 0h30m

9:00am

Li River Cruise

Board a leisurely 4-5 hour cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo offering stunning karst mountain landscapes, fishermen with cormorants, and rural scenery. Cruises typically run 8:30am to 4:30pm.

CNY260, 5h0m

2:30pm

Lunch in Yangshuo

Dine on local specialties like beer fish at a picturesque riverside restaurant in Yangshuo, many open until evening.

CNY80, 1h0m

4:00pm

Explore West Street

Stroll through West Street, renowned for its cafes, shops, and vibrant atmosphere, open throughout the day and evening.

Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Impression Liu Sanjie Show

Attend the spectacular outdoor light and music show directed by Zhang Yimou on the Li River showcasing local culture, around 7:30pm with duration of about 1 hour. Advance booking recommended.

CNY198, 1h0m

9:00pm

Dinner at Lotus Lounge

Enjoy a relaxed dinner at Lotus Lounge featuring western and Asian fusion cuisine, open till late.

CNY120, 1h0m

View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Yangshuo Outdoor Adventures

Yangshuo, China on June 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with breakfast to prepare for outdoor activities.

Included, 0h30m

9:00am

Cycling Tour Around Countryside

Take a guided cycling tour through rice paddies, karst hills, villages, and the Yulong River scenery for about 3 hours.

CNY120, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Grandma's Kitchen

Sample home-cooked Yangshuo dishes in a cosy setting, popular with tourists and locals alike.

CNY80, 1h0m

2:00pm

Kayaking on Yulong River

Enjoy afternoon kayaking along the tranquil Yulong River surrounded by dramatic karst landscapes. Rentals and guided trips available, open till sunset.

CNY150, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax at hotel

Return to the hotel and relax before dinner.

Included, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Yangshuo Bistro

Enjoy international and local dishes in this friendly bistro, open till late.

CNY100, 1h0m

View Hotel Availability

Day 12: Yangshuo to Shanghai

Yangshuo to Shanghai, China on June 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and prepare transfer

Early breakfast before transferring back to Guilin airport for your flight to Shanghai.

Included, 0h30m

9:00am

Flight Guilin to Shanghai

Fly to Shanghai in approximately 2.5 hours, the economic and cultural heart of modern China.

CNY600, 2h30m

12:00pm

Hotel check-in and lunch in Shanghai

Check in and enjoy lunch at a local Shanghainese restaurant such as Lost Heaven on the Bund, open 11:30am-10pm, known for its Yunnan cuisine.

CNY150, 1h0m

2:00pm

The Bund walk

Walk along the iconic Bund Riverfront promenade with colonial architecture contrasting the futuristic skyline across the Huangpu River. Open all day.

Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Yu Garden

Visit Yu Garden, a classical Chinese garden with pavilions, rockeries, and ponds dating from Ming Dynasty, open 8:30am-5:30pm.

CNY40, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Din Tai Fung

Relish Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and other Shanghai specialties at the famous Din Tai Fung, open till 10:00pm.

CNY120, 1h0m

View Hotel Availability

Day 13: Modern and Cultural Shanghai

Shanghai, China on June 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hotel breakfast before your day begins.

Included, 0h30m

9:00am

Shanghai Museum

Explore Chinese art and artefacts, including ancient ceramics, jade, paintings, and calligraphy. Open 9:00am-5:00pm, closed Mondays (strategy accordingly).

Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Nanjing Road shopping

Stroll along Shanghai’s premier shopping street with modern malls and traditional shops, open all day.

Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Jia Jia Tang Bao

Pick up some famous Shanghai soup dumplings in this popular casual shop, open till 3:00pm.

CNY40, 0h45m

2:00pm

Jade Buddha Temple

Visit the serene Jade Buddha Temple which houses two exquisite Jade Buddha statues, open 8:00am-5:00pm.

CNY20, 1h30m

4:00pm

Xintiandi

Experience the stylish pedestrian district with preserved Shikumen houses converted into shops, cafes, and bars, ideal for afternoon and evening visits.

Free, 2h0m